Question map
Between which one of the following sets of blood groups, is the blood transfusion possible ?
Explanation
Blood transfusion compatibility is determined by the presence of antigens on red blood cells and antibodies in the plasma. Type O is the universal donor because it lacks A and B antigens, but it can only receive blood from other Type O donors. Type AB is the universal recipient because it lacks anti-A and anti-B antibodies, allowing it to receive blood from any group. In Option 3, Type A blood can be safely donated to a Type AB recipient because the recipient does not have antibodies against the A antigen [1]. Conversely, Type A cannot donate to Type O (Option 1) because Type O plasma contains anti-A antibodies [1]. Type B cannot donate to Type A (Option 2) due to anti-B antibodies in the recipient [1]. Finally, Type AB cannot donate to Type O (Option 4) as Type O has antibodies against both A and B antigens [1].
Sources
- [1] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001306.htm